Every year at our AGM there never seems enough time during the break for everyone to enjoy a drink, put names to faces and catch up with each other. So this year we promise to keep the business to a minimum, whizzing through the formalities so there will be as much time as possible for the more enjoyable part of the evening!

Of course, it will be important to answer your questions and keep you up-to-date – on October 21^st at 7.30 at the Guildhall, the Development Control Committee will be considering the management plan for the trees in Chestnut Walk so we will be able to tell you their decision and hopefully their response to the concerns we raised on your behalf. If there are any other particular issues you’d like to know more about, or if you’d like to put forward a resolution at the meeting, please let Penny D’Souza know as soon as possible (so we can get any necessary information beforehand) on 8549 5331 or pennydsouza@blueyonder.co.uk

We would also welcome new committee members, especially anyone from the Albany, Albany Park Road, Albany Mews or Grosvenor Gardens – areas which are currently under-represented. We’d also love to hear from anyone who’d be interested in co-ordinating and editing the newsletter articles or taking over as membership secretary. Do please call Penny D’Souza if you’d like to know more.

You’ve no doubt noticed the mosaic transforming under the railway bridge at the end of Skerne Road. How did it get there? Who’s made it? Would you like to make a part of it? Bernadette Valelly of Save the World Club will be coming along to tell us all about it and the several ways it contributes to addressing the problem of graffiti.

So we all very much hope to see you at what promises to be a very enjoyable evening.

CARA is currently in a healthy financial position – but there’s no point sitting on our money when we could be spending it in our community. Options to explore include the provision of a bench in Canbury Gardens or along the river, or bike racks outside the shops on Richmond Road. Which would you prefer? Or do you have another idea? Please let us know on the feedback slip, or even better at the AGM.

I’m told that Ki Aikido is the ‘study and application of the physical and mental energy we all have when calm, positive and relaxed’. It can be practiced as a form of self defense, for healthy exercise and for calmness of mind. It is suitable for men and women, of any physical ability. Classes are now being held on Monday evenings, 7 pm to 9 pm in the pavilion in Canbury Gardens, for ages 16 and up.

For more information please ring Sensei Mo Sehra on 07956 970790.

Two local mothers have started a parent and toddler group in the Canbury Gardens Pavilion. It’s for babies and pre-school children with their parent or carer (who are responsible for their supervision at all times) and offers a great chance to get out and have a change of scene, make new friends and meet up with old ones. They offer a wide variety of toys, games and books, with refreshments, in a secure and safe location. It runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 10.15 am – 12 noon on a first come, first served basis and costs £3 per child. For more information, please contact:

Lisa 07752 520244

Clare 07747 606075

Canbury Gardens Pavilion – for bookings or offers of help please ring 07708 667590

Whether a member of CARA or not, everyone in the CARA area receives our newsletters and invitations to our events, can attend our public committee meetings and of course is very welcome to give us comments and feedback. However, the more members we have, the greater is our voice, and your support is greatly appreciated. If you are not already a member and would like to join, please complete the form below. Membership runs annually from 1^st November each year (and so a gentle reminder to current members that renewal is due next month!) You will be able to check if you are a member or not at our AGM – and also renew then.

To: Huw Rees Membership Secretary CARA, 12 Woodside Road

I enclose my CARA membership subscription of £5 per household valid to 1^st November 2005.

I do/do not require a receipt.

Name:

Signed and dated:

Address, phone and email: